Page 366 of Halfblood Deceived

“Tacos?” Aella guessed.

Mac sighed. “Tacos.” She gave Lupita a weary look. “And waffles for lunch.”

Rebecca blinked. “Your poor digestive system must be so confused.”

Trinity’s brow furrowed. “Where does your tiny human body put all those calories?”

Lupita made a disgusted face. “Mac makes me jog. Also, magic burns calories. And our damn neighbor just keeps asking to be hexed. So I use a lot of magic finding new and innovative ways to fuck with him.” She cringed, looking at Kamilla. “Er, nothing illegal, I swear. But some pendejos6 just need to be put in their place. How many times can you ask a guy to stop harassing your best friend before hexing him a bit, eh? My answer would be three times. Well, two actually, but I say I shouldn’t have to ask at all!”

“Speedy, you’re not making it sound any better,” Mac said.

Kamilla smiled. “I would have hexed him too.” She swept a glance at the group. “So, do you all consent to the interview?”

Rebecca wrinkled her nose. “We won’t be asked about anything too personal, will we? Like…” She gulped. “Like who we might be attracted to?”

Mac stiffened at that, her green eyes flashing with something like panic.

“I can’t guarantee it won’t come up in the conversation, since we need to know who you are associated with. But all details will remain private. There is a confidentiality agreement.”

Rebecca visibly relaxed. “Alright then.”

Mac chewed on her lip.

Diana had a pretty good idea of why she was nervous. She wondered if anyone else had her same suspicions.

The rest voiced their acquiescence, too.

“Good.” Kamilla placed a hand on Diana’s shoulder, giving her a reassuring squeeze. “Now I shall leave you to catch up and reconnect.” With that, she left along with Dyson.

And everyone’s attention landed on Diana and Aella.

Diana considered running for the hills. Given the way Aella tangled the hem of her sweater around her finger, Diana was sure she wasn’t alone in that sentiment.

Aella cleared her throat. “Hi. What’s up?”

“The ceiling,” Tim answered with a grin. “Well, at least it is now.”

Aella and Diana cringed as one.

Reese and Jordan smacked Tim as one.

“Ouch!” he complained, then made puppy eyes. “Too soon?”

“Yes, you ass,” Trinity said with a glare.

Rebecca shook her head and gave him her best disapproving librarian look.

There was another awkward silence, punctuated by the expectant stares Diana got from Lupita, Mac, and Trinity.

“Um, hello,” Diana said.

“‘Hello?’” Lupita demanded, arms crossed. “That’s all we get after what you did?”

Diana recoiled a step. Aella immediately placed an arm around her waist as if ready to physically shield her. And since when had their roles reversed? It made Diana feel as if she were spinning. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry for what I did.” She gave Rod, Vaz, Jordan, and Lupita the contrite visual contact they deserved. “I never meant to hurt you—”

Lupita huffed. “I am not talking about the attack Brittany forced you to commit, Diana. I’m talking about ignoring us for a full week!”

Diana gulped. “I… what? You’re not angry because I hurt you?”

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